Car Rental France

Speed limits in France

• Motorways: 130 kph (80 mph)
• Dual Carriageways: 110 kph (68 mph)
• Main Roads Outside Built-up Areas: 80 kph (49 mph)
• Main Roads With Built-up Areas: 50 kph (31mph)

Main roads in France

• The A1 autoroute, also known as I ‘autoroute du Nord is one of France’s busiest autoroutes. It connects the capital city, Paris, with Lille, in the north. The autoroute also serves Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport.
• The A6, or the ‘Autoroute du Soleil’ (Motorway of the Sun) connects Paris to Lyon. This autoroute is extremely popular with tourists as it is the main route to the south of France and the French Riviera.
• The A10 / L’Aquitaine is the longest motorway in France, extending 341 miles from the A6, south of Paris to the A630 in Bordeaux.

Road types in France

• The A roads, also called autoroutes, are the French equivalent of Interstate Highways. These roads are marked with blue signs and sometimes feature toll roads. A green sign means the route is toll free.
• The N roads, or designated Route National roads, are the main routes through France. They are free to drive on and acceptable for longer journeys.  
• The D roads are Departmental roads in France. They can range from country roads to minor roads.

Toll roads in France

If you are driving long distances in France, you’ll need to be aware of the autoroute toll fees. Toll fees may vary depending on the category your vehicle falls under. Payment methods can also vary, but the standard process is to take a ticket when you enter the autoroute and pay the toll when you exit.

You can work out your toll fees in advance by imputing your journey into The Association of French Motorway Companies (ASFA) website. You can also check which vehicle classification your car rental falls under.

Driving basics

• Driving takes place on the right side of the road.
• Drivers will have to give priority to vehicles on the right, unless otherwise marked by a road sign.
• Roundabouts travel anti-clockwise, and drivers must give priority to vehicles already on the roundabout.
• Children under the age of 10 are prohibited from sitting in the front passenger seat.
• You may be fined €135 and risk losing your license if you are caught using your mobile phone while driving. Only hands-free systems connected to your vehicle are allowed.

Paris

Fabled Paris, the ‘City of Love’ lies in the north-central part of the country. The French capital is home to the iconic Eiffel Tower and world’s largest art gallery, the Louvre. Paris is also one of the best places for shopping in Europe, bursting with boutiques and world-famous fashion.

Nice

Perched on the French Riviera, Nice is renowned for its pristine beaches, medieval Old Quarter and four-mile stretch beaches with clear blue waters. Its Mediterranean climate offers plenty of sunshine and perfect sunbathing opportunities. Whether you’re looking for sophisticated architecture or good food, you won’t be short of things to do in Nice.  

Marseille

Marseille is a popular port city situated on the south coast. Founded in 600 BC by the Greeks, it is the oldest city in the country. Such history means Marseille is home to a fantastic array of museums and rich historical architecture. Its colorful Old Town is a must-see and is among the prettiest neighborhoods of any French cityscape.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux sits at the heart of French wine country, home to sweet-smelling vineyards and warm, Mediterranean air. But there’s more to this city than the region’s famous wine – packed with museums and archaeological sites, there’s something for everyone in Bordeaux.

Grenoble

Grenoble, a city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France is often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Alps’. The city is the gateway to the mighty mountain range and jumping off point for many visitors in search of skiing, snowboarding and winter hiking routes. If you are looking to hit the slopes, there are approximately 20 ski resorts in the area.

Lille

Lille is a major city in the northern part of France, near the Belgian border. With a selection of world-class museums, vibrant markets and a vivacious culinary scene, the city has plenty to offer visitors. Stop by the Old Town to explore some of the city’s key landmarks and attractions. 

Perpignan

This southern city is located near the Mediterranean coast and the Spanish border. As the former capital of Spanish Majorca, the city’s Catalan influence is still evident in its medieval core. Take a stroll through the Old Town, where you’ll find an array of monuments, churches, and museums.

Tours

Tours is a university town and popular gateway for exploring the Loire Valley region. Some of the city’s most popular attractions include its Roman Catholic Cathedral and The Museum of Fine Arts. Tours is also home to a picturesque old quarter with cobbled streets and half-timbered French houses, generating a charmingly quaint atmosphere.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fortress city occupying a hill in southern France. With quaint and historical structures, a trip to Carcassonne is a must for history buffs. Take a tour of Cité de Carcassonne and explore the world-famous medieval castle via the winding cobblestone streets. Or venture to La Bastide Saint Louis, the walled Old Town with a rich architectural heritage.

Avignon

The city of Avignon is recognized for its architectural beauty and historic significance. So much so, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Popular tourists’ spots include the city’s medieval attractions, museums, art galleries and surrounding countryside.